Let His face shine upon you

Today’s first reading (Numbers 6:22-27) gives us perhaps the most famous words of blessing ever:

The LORD said to Moses:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons
and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly
and give you peace!

The shining face of the Lord, of course, is a face that is smiling: beaming with love and joy.

That is how God looks upon us, no matter how many clouds of doubt and sin we may wrap around us.

That is why God sent His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

That is why Christ suffered and died for us.

God looks on us with love and joy.

The face of God shines on us.

May you and I let our faces shine back at God, with love and joy and repentence.

May you and I also let our faces shine at those around us with the pure love and joy of God.